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  • 228 W. Montauk Highway, Hampton Bays, NY 11946

Snakes

Snakes

Long Island has 13 different species of native snakes. None of them are venomous, poisonous or in any way dangerous to humans, although they may bite in defense. Some of our snakes are quite beautiful, such as the strikingly colored Northern Red-Bellied snake; others are camouflaged to blend in with their environment such as the Northern Ribbon snake. Snakes are ectotherms, “cold blooded,” which means their body temperature varies with the outside environment. Therefore, they like to come out and warm themselves on a bright, sunny day and hibernate in the winter.

Rescue Tips:

Injured/Sick
All snakes may bite in self defense. However, there are no poisonous snakes on Long Island. Try to gently steer the snake into a pillow case with a shove. You can try and shovel the ground under him as well. Use a rubber band or twist tie to secure the opening of the pillow case. Make sure the snake is not near the top of the pillowcase when tying off.

Baby Snakes
Snakes, as all reptiles, are never orphaned. The mother’s only role is to lay her eggs.

Snakes in Yard or Porch
Many people fear snakes. However, snakes are an essential part of our ecosystem and are signs of a healthy environment. They eat many rodents and insects that are harmful to our gardens. They are not aggressive or destructive. They do not harm dogs or cats. If you see a snake in your yard, please leave it be. It will go away within an hour or two.

Snake in Window Well or Garbage Can
Place a branch or board inside the window well or garbage can so the snake can exit.

Snake in Swimming Pool
Snakes will eventually drown. Lift the snake out with a net and place it away from the pool. Check an hour or so later to see if the snake moved.

 
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